Cell transfection method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to methods for transfecting cells. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of transfecting primordial germ cells in avians, and to methods of breeding avians with modified traits.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods for transfecting cells. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of transfecting primordial germ cells in avians, and to methods of breeding avians with modified traits.

BACKGROUND

The development of an efficient technique to develop transgenic or genetically modified avians is of major importance to both the agriculture and biopharmacy industries, as well as increasing our understanding of avian biology via functional genomics studies. Poultry production will play a major role in ensuring food security for the planet in the face of population growth, and modern advances in biotechnology such as the development of transgenic poultry will help the industry to meet the demand for increased production.

More specifically, the application of transgenic technology to modify traits in poultry that are not possible through conventional breeding, such as disease resistance and modulation of sex determination, will now be possible and provide major benefits to the poultry industry. The demand for biopharmaceutical proteins is rapidly growing and until recently in vitro cell-based manufacturing systems to produce new recombinant proteins for the treatment of disease have been used. The use of transgenic livestock as bioreactors for recombinant protein production is now being developed as a major alternative to expensive and labour intensive cell-based systems. The development of transgenic technology for the chicken has enabled the egg to be developed as a bioreactor for high levels of production and purification of biopharmaceutical proteins.

Attempts were also made to introduce selected foreign genes by cloning them into a retrovirus vector (e.g. reticuloendothelial vires or avian leukosis virus), injecting the recombinant virus into fertile eggs, allowing the virus to infect the developing embryo (e.g. primordial germ cells) thereby creating a chimeric gonad or ova, and using the resultant recombinant to try to introduce a foreign gene into the progeny. However, the poultry industry has been reluctant to commercially use this technology as the virus (in its natural state) is a pathogen, even variant replication competent virus vectors can sometimes induce tumors, and replication incompetent variants require high or repeated dosages. Also, even replication defective virus constructs can pose some risk of recombining with endogenous virus envelope and becoming replication competent. Further, these vectors are currently limited to DNA inserts of relatively small size (e.g. two kilobases or less).

There have also been attempts to inject foreign DNA into the undeveloped fertilized ovum after it is surgically removed from the hen. However, this approach required incubating the developing embryo in a series of surrogate containers. Further, it required specialized laying flocks and extensive practice to obtain the needed surgical and technical skills.

An alternative approach involves the injection of genetically modified embryonic cells or primordial germ cells (PGCs) into a recipient embryo shortly after lay. In this approach PCG cultures were created which retained their ability to differentiate into functional ova or spermatozoa producing cells when incorporated into the developing embryo. PGC cultures of this type can be genetically modified and then injected into recipient embryos. The recipient embryos would typically have been modified by gamma irradiation to debilitate the endogenous primordial germ cells so as to give the injected cells a selection advantage in homing into the gonadal ridge. The modified cells would then mature and produce spermatozoa or ova capable of transmitting the transgene to at least the next generation. This technique is time consuming, however, as it requires the removal of PGCs from a donor embryo, and their subsequent culture and reintroduction into a recipient embryo. Furthermore, the efficiency at which avians comprising genetically modified PGCs can be obtained using this technique is low.

Accordingly, there remains a need for methods of genetically modifying avian primordial germ cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have found that the direct injection of transfection reagents mixed with DNA into the blood of developing avian embryos results in the DNA being introduced into primordial germ cells (PGCs) and insertion of the DNA into the genome of the avian.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for producing an avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide         mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an         avian embryo,     -   whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the genome of one or         more germ cells in the avian.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient for the embryo to develop into a chick.

The transfection mixture is preferably injected into the avian embryo at the time of PGC migration at approximately Stages 12-17. In one preferred embodiment, the transfection mixture is injected into the avian embryo at Stages 13-14.

Although any suitable transfection reagent may be used in the methods of the invention, preferably the transfection reagent comprises a cationic lipid.

In one embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises a monovalent cationic lipid selected from one or more of DOTMA (N-[1-(2.3 dioleoyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride), DOTAP (1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-3-(trimethylammonium)propane). DMRIE (1,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxy ethyl ammonium bromide) and DDAB (dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide).

In another embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises a polyvalent cationic lipid selected from one or more of DOSPA (2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminium trifluoroacetate) and DOSPER (1,3-dioleoyloxy-2-(6carboxy spermyl)-propyl-amid, TMTPS (tetramethyltetrapalmitoyl spermine). TMTOS (tetramethyltetraolcyl spermine), TMTLS (tetramethyltetralauryl spermine), TMTMS (tetramethyltetramyristyl spermine) and TMDOS (tetramethyldioleyl spermine).

In yet another embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises DOSPA (2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminium trifluoroacetate).

In another embodiment, the transfection reagent further comprises a neutral lipid. The neutral lipid may comprise, for example, (DOPE) dioleoyl phosphalidylethanolamine, DPhPE (diphytanoylphosphatidylethanolamine) or cholesterol.

In one particular embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises a 3:1 (w/w) mixture of DOSPA and DOPE prior to mixture of the transfection reagent with the polynucleotide.

Advantageously, the methods of the present invention are suited to the use of non-retroviral methods of introducing a polynucleotide into the genome of a germ cell. Thus, in one embodiment, the polynucleotide further comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a transposon or zinc finger nuclease.

In one particular embodiment, the transfection mixture comprises a polynucleotide encoding a transposase. The transposase may be encoded by DNA such as in a plasmid, or alternatively the polynucleotide encoding the transposase is RNA.

In one specific embodiment, the transposon is selected from Tol2, mini-Tol2, Sleeping Beauty and PiggyBac.

In another embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a sequence encoding a zinc finger nuclease.

While the germ cells that are genetically modified in the avian may be embryonic germ cells, preferably the cells are primordial germ cells.

In one embodiment, the injection mixture is injected into the embryo in the eggshell in which the embryo developed.

The polynucleotide in the transfection mixture may be an RNA molecule or DNA molecule that encodes a polypeptide, or a DNA molecule encoding an RNA comprising a double-stranded region. In one particular embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes an RNA molecule comprising a double-stranded region. The RNA molecule may be, for example, an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy.

In another embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the RNA molecule or polypeptide reduces replication of a virus in a cell compared to a cell lacking the RNA molecule or polypeptide.

The methods of the invention may be used to target any viral pathogen of an avian. In one embodiment, the virus is influenza virus.

The present invention further provides an avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, wherein the avian is produced by the method of the invention.

The present invention further provides a genetically modified germ cell of the avian of the invention, wherein the germ cell comprises the polynucleotide inserted into the genome.

The present invention further provides sperm produced by the avian comprising genetically modified cells of the invention.

The present invention further provides an egg produced by the avian comprising genetically modified cells of the invention.

The present invention further provides a method for genetically modifying germ cells in an avian, the method comprising

-   -   (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide         mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an         avian embryo contained in an egg, and     -   (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient to permit         the embryo to develop into a chick,     -   wherein the polynucleotide is inserted into the genome of one or         more germ cells in the avian.

In additional embodiments, the method comprises one or more of the features of the invention as described herein.

The present invention further provides a method for producing a genetically modified avian, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) obtaining the avian comprising genetically modified germ         cells of the invention,     -   (ii) breeding from the avian comprising genetically modified         germ cells to produce progeny, and     -   (iii) selecting progeny comprising the polynucleotide inserted         into the genome.

The present invention further provides a genetically modified avian produced by the method of the invention.

The present invention further provides a method of producing food, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) obtaining the avian comprising genetically modified germ         cells of the invention or the genetically modified avian of the         invention, and     -   (ii) producing food from the avian.

In one embodiment, the method comprises harvesting meat and/or eggs from the avian.

The present invention further provides a method of breeding a genetically modified avian, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) performing the method of the invention to produce a chick or         progeny,     -   (ii) allowing the chick or progeny to develop into a sexually         mature avian, and     -   (iii) breeding from the sexually mature avian to produce a         genetically modified avian.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a genetically modified avian produced according to the method of the invention.

The present invention further provides a method of modulating a trait in an avian, the method comprising

-   -   (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide         mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an         avian embryo, whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the         genome of one or more germ cells in the avian and     -   (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient to permit         the embryo to develop into a chick,     -   wherein the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide or RNA molecule         comprising a double-stranded region which modulates a trait in         the avian.

In one embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy.

In one embodiment, the trait is selected from muscle mass, sex, nutritional content and/or disease resistance.

The present invention further provides a method of increasing the resistance of an avian to a virus, the method comprising performing the method of the invention, wherein the polynucleotide is an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy that reduces replication of the virus in a cell, or the polynucleotide encodes an antiviral peptide that reduces replication of the virus in a cell.

In one particular embodiment, the virus is influenza virus.

The present invention further provides an avian produced according to the method of the invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, the avian is selected from a chicken, duck, turkey, goose, bantam or quail.

In another embodiment of the methods of the invention, the transaction mixture further comprises a targeting nuclease, or a polynucleotide encoding a targeting nuclease, to facilitate integration of the polynucleotide into the genome of the germ cell. For example, the targeting nuclease may be selected from a Zinc Finger Nuclease, TALEN and CRISPR.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide         mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an         avian embryo, whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the         genome of one or more germ cells in the avian, and     -   (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient for the         embryo to develop into a chick,     -   wherein the transfection reagent comprises a cationic lipid, the         polynucleotide further comprises a sequence encoding a         transposon, and the transfection mixture is injected into the         blood vessel of the avian embryo at Stages 13-14.

In one embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises Lipofectamine 2000 or a 3:1 (w/w) mixture of DOSPA and DOPE prior to mixture of the transfection reagent with the polynucleotide, the transposon is Tol2 or mini-Tol2. and the transfection mixture comprises a polynucleotide encoding Tol2 transposase.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide         mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an         avian embryo, whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the         genome of one or more germ cells in the avian, and     -   (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient for the         embryo to develop into a chick,     -   wherein the transfection reagent comprises a cationic lipid and         a neutral lipid, the polynucleotide further comprises a sequence         encoding a zinc finger nuclease, and the transfection mixture is         injected into the blood vessel of the avian embryo at Stages         13-14.

In one embodiment, the transfection reagent comprises Lipofectamine 2000 or a 3:1 (w/w) mixture of DOSPA and DOPE prior to mixture of the transfection reagent with the polynucleotide.

As will be apparent, preferred features and characteristics of one aspect of the invention are applicable to many other aspects of the invention.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps.

The invention is hereinafter described by way of the following non-limiting Examples and with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Direct injection of DNA encoding EGFP complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 into avian embryos. Fluorescent (left side) and matching brightfield (right side) images of gonads removed from Day 7 embryos.

FIG. 2. Direct injection of DNA encoding EGFP complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 into avian embryos Day 14 images. Fluorescent (right side) and matching brightfield (left side images of gonads removed from Day 14 embryos. Last fluorescent image is a close-up from the left hand cluster of green cells in an embryo. This region was dissected away from the rest of the gonad for staining with chicken vasa homologue (cvh). A small section of the rest of the gonad was used as a negative control.

FIG. 3. Direct injection of DNA encoding EGFP complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 into avian embryos. Staining of cells for PGC marker cvh. DAPI stain showing nuclear material and staining of all cells, cvh, a PGC specific marker has stained a subpopulation of cells (lighter grey cells). Transformed cells that have received the transposon through direct injection and stained green are indicated by arrows.

FIG. 4. Confirmation of in vitro optimization by Direct Injection into avian embryos. EGFP expression in gonads of Day 11 embryos.

FIG. 5. Direct injection of DNA encoding EGFP and a multi-warhead construct comprising multiple sequences encoding shRNAs complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 into chicken broiler line embryos. Fluorescent images from Day 12 gonads.

FIG. 6. Direct injection of DNA encoding EGFP, a multi-warhead construct and extended hairpin construct complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 into chicken layer line embryos. Fluorescent images of the gonads of Day 14 Embryos after Direct Injection.

FIG. 7. Direct injection of Tol2-EGFP construct with each of two multiple shRNA expression cassettes (pMAT084 and pMAT085). Images of 10 gonads taken at Day 14 showing EGFP expression.

FIG. 8. Gel electrophoresis of screening PCR products indicating integration of the PB shRNA into the direct injected embryos. DNA was extracted from a PGC enriched sample from the ZFN treated embryos as well as from control embryos at 5 days post direct injection with ZFN and a repair plasmid (containing the PB shRNA). A screening PCR was then performed to detect integration of the PB shRNA into the genome. Lane 1 shows PB injected embryos, lane 2 Control embryos, lane 3 ZFN treated cells (positive control) and lane 4 is a water control.

KEY TO THE SEQUENCE LISTING

SEQ ID NO:1—Tol2 EGFP construct polynucleotide sequence

SEQ ID NO:2—Tol2 transposase amino acid sequence

SEQ ID NO:3—Screen 7 oligonucleotide primer

SEQ ID NO:4—Screen 6 oligonucleotide primer

SEQ ID NO:5—miniTol2 forward oligonucleotide printer

SEQ ID NO:6—miniTol2 reverse oligonucleotide primer

SEQ ID NO:7—miniTol2 detection probe

SEQ ID NO:8—Genomic control region forward primer

SEQ ID NO:9—Genomic control region reverse primer

SEQ ID NO:10—Genomic control region probe

DETAILED DESCRIPTION General Techniques and Definitions

Unless specifically defined otherwise all technical and scientific terms used herein shall be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., in protein chemistry, biochemistry, cell culture, molecular genetics, microbiology, and immunology).

Unless otherwise indicated, the recombinant DNA and protein, cell culture, and immunological techniques utilized in the present invention are standard procedures, well known to those skilled in the art. Such techniques are described and explained throughout the literature in sources such as, J. Perbal, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning, John Wiley and Sons (1984), J. Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3^(rd) edn, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press (2001), R Scopes, Protein Purification—Principals and Practice. 3^(rd) edn, Springer (1994). T. A. Brown (editor), Essential Molecular Biology: A Practical Approach, Volumes 1 and 2, IRL Press (1991), D. M. Glover and B. D. Hames (editors). DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach Volumes 1-4, IRL Press (1995 and 1996), and F. M. Ausubel et al. (editors), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience (1988, including all updates until present), Ed Harlow and David Lane (editors) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, (1988), and J. E. Coligan et al. (editors) Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley & Sons (including all updates until present).

The term “avian” as used herein refers to any species, subspecies or race of organism of the taxonomic Class Aves, such as but not limited to, such organisms as chicken, turkey, duck, goose, quail, pheasants, parrots, finches, hawks, crows and ratites including ostrich, emu and cassowary. The term includes the various known strains of Gallus gallus (chickens), for example, White Leghorn, Brown Leghorn, Barred-Rock, Sussex, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Australorp, Cornish, Minorca, Amrox, California Gray, Italian Partidge-coloured, as well as strains of turkeys, pheasants, quails, duck, ostriches and other poultry commonly bred in commercial quantities.

The term “poultry” includes all avians kept, harvested, or domesticated for meat or eggs, for example chicken, turkey, ostrich, game hen, squab, guinea fowl, pheasant, quail, duck, goose, and emu.

As used herein, a “genetically modified avian” or “transgenic avian” refers to any avian in which one or more of the cells of the avian contains heterologous nucleic acid introduced by way of human intervention.

Direct Injection Technique

The germline in chickens is initiated as cells from the epiblast of a Stage X embryo ingress into the nascent hypoblast (Kagami el al., 1997; and Petitte. 2002). As the hypoblast progresses anteriorly, the pre-primordial germ cells are swept forward into the germinal crescent where they can be identified as large glycogen laden cells. The earliest identification of cells in the germline by these morphological criteria is approximately 8 hours after the beginning of incubation (Stage 4 using the staging system established by Hamburger and Hamilton, (1951)). The primordial germ cells reside in the germinal crescent from Stage 4 until they migrate through the vasculature during Stage 12-17. At this time, the primordial germ cells are a small population of about 200 cells. From the vasculature, the primordial germ cells migrate into the genital ridge and are incorporated into the ovary or testes as the gonad differentiates.

Germline chimeric chickens have been generated previously by transplantation of donor PGCs and gonadal germ cells from various developmental stages (blastoderm to day 20 embryo) into recipient embryos. Methods of obtaining transgenic chickens from long-term cultures of avian primordial germ cells (PGCs) have also been described, for example, in US Patent Application 20060206952. When combined with a host avian embryo by known procedures, those modified PGCs are transmitted through the germline to yield genetically modified offspring.

In contrast to the commonly used prior art methods which rely on the harvesting of PGCs from donor embryos, the methods of the present invention involve the direct injection of a transfection mixture into an avian embryo. Thus, the methods of the invention may be used to transfect avian germ cells including PGCs and embryonic germ cells.

Transfection Mixture

In the methods of the present invention, a polynucleotide is complexed or mixed with a suitable transfection reagent. The term “transfection reagent” as used herein refers to a composition added to the polynucleotide for enhancing the uptake of the polynucleotide into a eukaryotic cell including, but not limited to, an avian cell such as a primordial germ cell. While any transfection reagent known in the art to be suitable for transfecting eukaryotic cells may be used, the present inventors have found that transfection reagents comprising a cationic lipid are particularly useful in the methods of the present invention. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, monovalent cationic lipids are selected from one or more of DOTMA (N-[1-(2.3-dioleoyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride), DOTAP(1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-3-(trimethylammonium)propane), DMRIE (1,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxy ethyl ammonium bromide) or PDAB (dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide). Preferred polyvalent cationic lipids are lipospermines, specifically DOSPA (2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamin-ium trifluoro-acetate) and DOSPER (1,3-dioleoyloxy-2-(6carboxy spermyl)-propyl-amid, and the di- and tetra-alkyl-tetra-methyl spermines, including but not limited to TMTPS (tetramethyltetrapalmitoyl spermine), TMTOS (tetramethyltetraolcyl spermine). TMTLS (tetramethlytetralauryl spermine), TMTMS (tetramethyltetramyristyl spermine) and TMDOS (tetramethyldioleyl spermine). Cationic lipids are optionally combined with non-cationic lipids, particularly neutral lipids, for example lipids such as DOPE (dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine), DPhPE (diphytanoylphosphatidylethanolamine) or cholesterol. A cationic lipid composition composed of a 3:1 (w/w) mixture of DOSPA and DOPE or a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of DOTMA and DOPE are generally useful in the methods of the invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially available transfection reagents comprising cationic lipids include Lipofectamine (Life Technologies) and Lipofectamine 2000 (Life Technologies).

In general, any dendrimer that can be employed to introduce nucleic acid into any cell, particularly into a eukaryotic cell, is useful in the methods of this invention. Dendrimers of generation 5 or higher (G5 or higher) are preferred, with those of generation between G5-G10 being of particular interest. Dendrimers that may be useful in the invention include those with NH₃ or ethylenediamine cores, GX(NH₃) or GX(EDA), where X=the generation number. Dendrimers where X=5-10 being preferred. Dendrimers that may be useful in the invention include those in which the repeating unit of the internal layers is a amidoamine (to form polyamidoamines, i.e. PAMAMs). Useful dendrimers include those in which the terminal functional groups at the outer surface of the dendrimer provides a positive charge density, e.g., as with terminal amine functional groups. The surface charge and the chemical nature of the outer dendrimer surface can be varied by changing the functional groups on the surface, for example, by reaction of some or all of the surface amine groups. Of particular interest are dendrimers that are functionalized by reaction with cationic amino acids, such as lysine or arginine. Grafted dendrimers as described, for example in PCT applications WO 9622321 and WO9631549 and noted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,106, can be employed in methods of this invention. Activated dendrimers (Haensler and Szoka, 1993; and Tang et al., 1996) can also be employed in methods of the invention.

The transfection reagent may further comprise peptide sequences from viral, bacterial or animal proteins and other sources, including peptides, proteins or fragments or portions thereof that can enhance the efficiency of transfection of eukaryotic cells mediated by transfection agents, including cationic lipids and dendrimers. Such peptides are described in US 20030069173 and include, for example, viral peptides or proteins of influenza virus, adenovirus, Semliki forest virus, HIV, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus, vesicular stomatitis virus or simian virus 40 and more specifically an RGD-peptide sequence, an NLS peptide sequence and/or a VSVG-peptide sequence and to modified peptides or proteins of each of the foregoing.

The polynucleotide may be mixed (or “complexed”) with the transfection reagent according to the manufacturers instructions or known protocols. By way of example, when transfecting plasmid DNA with Lipofectamine 2000 transfection reagent (Invitrogen, Life Technologies), DNA may be diluted in 50 μl Opit-MEM medium and mixed gently. The Lipofectamine 2000 reagent is mixed gently and an appropriate amount diluted in 50 μl Opti-MEM medium. After a 5 minute incubation, the diluted DNA and transfection reagent are combined and mixed gently at room temperature for 20 minutes.

A suitable volume of the transfection mixture may then be directly injected into an avian embryo in accordance with the method of the invention. Typically, a suitable volume for injection into an avian embryo is about 1 μl to about 3 μl, although suitable volumes may be determined by factors such as the stage of the embryo and species of avian being injected. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the protocols for mixing the transfection reagent and DNA, as well as the volume to be injected into the avian embryo, may be optimised in light of the teachings of the present specification.

Injection Into the Embryo

Prior to injection, eggs are incubated at a suitable temperature for embryonic development, for example around 37.5 to 38° C. with the pointy end (taglion) upward for approximately 2.5 days (Stages 12-17), or until such time as the blood vessels in the embryo are of sufficient size to allow injection. The optimal time for injection of the transfection mixture is the time of PGC migration that typically occurs around Stages 12-17, but more preferably Stages 13-14. As the person skilled in the art will appreciate, broiler line chickens typically have faster growing embryos, and so injection should preferably occur early in Stages 13-14 so as to introduce the transfection mixture into the bloodstream at the time of PGC migration.

To access a blood vessel of the avian embryo, a hole is made in the egg shell. For example, an approximately 10 mm hole may be made in the pointy end of the egg using a suitable implement such as forceps. The section of shell and associated membranes are carefully removed while avoiding injury to the embryo and it's membranes.

Micropipettes made of siliconized glass capillary tubing may be used to inject the transfection mixture into the blood vessel of the avian embryo. Typically, micropipettes are drawn out or “pulled” with a micropipette puller and the tips bevelled with the aid of a pipette grinder to a diameter (internal opening) of approximately 10 μm to about 50 μm diameter, more preferably around 25 μm to around 30 μm in diameter. Micropipettes are typically ground to a diameter of around 25 μm to around 30 μm to facilitate the injection of PGCs into an avian embryo. The skilled person will appreciate that a narrower diameter may be used in the methods of the present invention as the transfection mixture does not comprise cells. A micropipette produced in this manner is also referred to us a “pulled glass capillary”.

A pulled glass capillary is loaded with approximately 1-3 μl of the transfection complex. The injection is made into any blood vessel of sufficient size to accommodate the capillary, such as the marginal vein or the dorsal aorta, or any another blood vessel of sufficient size to take the capillary. Air pressure may be used to expel the transfection complex from the capillary into the blood vessel.

Following injection of the transfection mixture into the blood vessel of the avian embryo, the egg is sealed using a sufficient quantity of parafilm, or other suitable sealant film as known in the art. For example, where a 10 mm hole has been made in the shell, an approximately 20 mm square piece of parafilm may be used to cover the hole. A warm scalpel blade may then be used to affix the parafilm to the outer egg surface. Eggs are then turned over to the pointy-end down position and incubated at a temperature sufficient for the embryo to develop, such as until later analysis or hatch.

As used herein, the phrases “temperature sufficient for the embryo to develop” and “temperature sufficient for the embryo to develop into a chick” refer to incubation temperatures that are required for an avian embryo to continue to develop in the egg and preferably to develop into a chick that is ready to hatch. Suitable incubation temperatures can be determined by those of skill in the art. For example, a chicken egg is typically incubated at about 35.8 to about 38° C. Incubators are commercially available which control incubation temperate at desirable levels, for example, 37.9° C. at Days 1 to 6 post lay, about 37.6° C. at Days 9 and 10, about 37.5° C. at Days 11 and 12, about 37.4° C. at Day 13, about 37.3° C. at Days 14 and 15, about 37.2°60 C. at Day 16, about 37.1° C. at Day 17, and which may fall to about 35.8° C. by Day 22.

Genomic Integration of Polynucleotides

To facilitate integration of the polynucleotide into the genome of the avian germ cells, preferably a transposon, zinc finger nuclease, or other non-viral construct or vector is used in the method of the invention.

Examples of suitable transposons include Tol2 (Kawakami et al. 2002), mini-Tol2, Sleeping Beauty (Ivies et al., 1997), PiggyBac (Ding et al., 2005), Mariner and Galluhop. The Tol2 transposon which was first isolated from the medaka fish Oryzias latipes and belongs to the hAT family of transposons is described in Kawakami et al. (2000). Mini-Tol2 is a variant of Tol2 and is described in Balciunas et al. (2006). The Tol2 and Mini-Tol2 transposons facilitate integration of a transgene into the genome of an organism when co-acting with the Tol2 transposase. By delivering the Tol2 transposase on a separate non-replicating plasmid, only the Tol2 or Mini-Tol2 transposon and transgene is integrated into the genome and the plasmid containing the Tol2 transposase is lost within a limited number of cell divisions. Thus, an integrated Tol2 or Mini-Tol2 transposon will no longer have the ability to undergo a subsequent transposition event. Additionally, as Tol2 is not known to be a naturally occurring avian transposon, there is no endogenous transposase activity in an avian cell, for example a chicken cell, to cause further transposition events. As would be understood in the art, an RNA encoding the Tol2 transposase may be included in the transfection mixture as an alternative to a DNA plasmid encoding the transposase. Thus, the Tol2 transposon and transposase are particularly suited to use in the methods of the present invention.

Any other suitable transposon system may be used in the methods of the present invention. For example, the transposon system may be a Sleeping Beauty, Frog Prince or Mos1 transposon system, or any transposon belonging to the tcl/mariner or hAT family of transposons may be used.

The skilled person will understand that it may be desirable to include additional genetic elements in the constructs to be injected into the avian embryo. Examples of an additional genetic element which may be included in the nucleic acid construct include a reporter gene, such as one or more genes for a fluorescent marker protein such as GFP or RFP; an easily assayed enzyme such as beta-galactosidase, luciferase, beta-glucuronidase, chloramphenical acetyl transferase or secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase; or proteins for which immunoassays are readily available such as hormones or cytokines. Other genetic elements that may find use in embodiments of the present invention include those coding for proteins which confer a selective growth advantage on cells such as adenosine deaminase, aminoglycodic phosphotransferase, dihydrofolate reductase, hygromycin-B-phosphotransferase, or drug resistance.

Genome editing technologies may also be used in the methods of the invention. By way of example, the genome editing technology may be a targeting nuclease. As used herein, the term “targeting nuclease” includes reference to a naturally-occurring protein or an engineered protein. In one embodiment, the targeting endonuclease may be a meganuclease. Meganucleases are endodeoxyribonucleases characterized by long recognition sequences, i.e., the recognition sequence generally ranges from about 12 base pairs to about 40 base pairs. As a consequence of this requirement, the recognition sequence generally occurs only once in any given genome. Among meganucleases, the family of homing endonucleases named LAGLIDADG has become a valuable tool for the study of genomes and genome engineering. A meganuclease may be targeted to a specific chromosomal sequence by modifying its recognition sequence using techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the “targeting nuclease” is a Zinc-finger nuclease. Zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial nucleases generated by fusing a zinc finger DNA-binding domain to a DNA-cleavage domain. Zinc finger domains can be engineered to target desired DNA sequences and this enables zinc-finger nucleuses to target unique sequences within complex genomes. By taking advantage of endogenous DNA repair machinery, these reagents can be used to precisely alter the genomes of higher organisms. Zinc finger nucleases are known in the art and described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,241,574 and reviewed in Durai et al. (2005) and Davis and Stokoe (2010).

Prior to the present invention, it was expected that in order to modify PGCs using zinc finger nuclease technology, zinc finger constructs would be introduced into cultured PGCs. Transfected cells comprising the desired insertion/modification would then be selected and cloned. The sorted and cloned cells would be injected into a PGC depleted recipient embryo.

The present inventors have found, surprisingly, that direct injection of a zinc finger nuclease construct into an avian embryo resulted in a specific genomic modification that could be detected in the gonad of the transfected embryo at Day 14. This finding was surprising because it was expected that the combined levels of efficiency of the transfection and zinc finger nuclease activity would be too low to detect a specific modification in a directly injected embryo. In view of the specificity of targeting desired DNA sequences, and the present inventors finding that the combination of a zinc finger nuclease and transfection reagent directly injected into an embryo achieving higher than expected levels of efficiency, zinc finger nucleases are particularly useful for introducing a polynucleotide into the genome of an avian germ cell in the methods of the prevent invention.

In yet another embodiment, the targeting endonuclease may be a transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nuclease (see, e.g., Zhang et al., 2011). TALEs are transcription factors from the plant pathogen Xanthomonas that can be readily engineered to bind new DNA targets. TALEs or truncated versions thereof may be linked to the catalytic domain of endonucleases such as Fold to create targeting endonuclease called TALE nucleases or TALENs.

In yet another embodiment, the “targeting nuclease” is a Clustered Regularly Interspersed Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) nuclease (Burrungou, 2012). CRISPR is a microbial nuclease system involved in defence against invading phages and plasmids. CRISPR loci in microbial hosts contain a combination of CRISPR-associated (Cas) genes as well as non-coding RNA elements capable of programming the specificity of the CRISPR-mediated nucleic acid cleavage. Three types (I-III) of CRISPR systems have been identified across a wide range of bacterial hosts. One key feature of each CRISPR locus is the presence of an array of repetitive sequences (direct repeats) interspaced by short stretches of non-repetitive sequences (spacers). The non-coding CRISPR array is transcribed and cleaved within direct repeats into short crRNAs containing individual spacer sequences, which direct Cas nucleases to the target site (protospacer).

The Type II CRISPR is one of the most well characterized systems (for example, see Cong et al., 2013) and carries out targeted DNA double-strand break in four sequential steps. First, two non-coding RNA, the pre-crRNA array and tracrRNA, are transcribed from the CRISPR locus. Second, tracrRNA hybridizes to the repeat regions of the pre-crRNA and mediates the processing of pre-crRNA into mature crRNAs containing individual spacer sequences. Third, the mature crRNA:tracrRNA complex directs Cas9 to the target DNA via Watson-Crick base-pairing between the spacer on the crRNA and the protospacer on the target DNA next to the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM), an additional requirement for target recognition. Finally, Cas9 mediates cleavage of target DNA to create a double-stranded break within the protospacer. The CRISPR system can also be used to generate single-stranded breaks in the genome. Thus the CRISPR system can be used for RNA-guided site specific genome editing.

Polynucleotides

The methods of the present invention can be utilised to incorporate polynucleotides into the genome of avian primordial germ cells that can be transmitted to genetically modified progeny. The polynucleotides integrated into the genome may impart a desirable function or activity on the genetically modified cells comprising the polynucleotide, such as. for example, modifying a production trait or increasing disease resistance. Thus, polynucleotides that may be integrated into the genome of germ cells include those encoding short interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), extended short hairpin RNAs (ehRNAs). catalytic RNAs such as ribozymes, RNA decoys, as well as those encoding endogenous or exogenous polypeptides such as those that can be used to modulate a production trait or increase resistance to disease in an avian.

Thus, in some embodiments, the methods of the invention can be used to modify any trail of an avian species. Preferred traits which can be modified include production traits and disease resistance. As used herein, the term “production trait” refers to any phenotype of an avian that has commercial value such as muscle mass. sex. disease resistance or nutritional content. Preferred trails which can be modified according to the methods of the present invention include sex, muscle mass and disease resistance. Examples of genes that can be targeted to modify sex as a production trait in an avian include DMRTI, WPKCI (ASW), R-spondin. FOX9, aromatase, AMH and β-catenin.

As used herein, the term “muscle mass” refers to the weight of muscle tissue. An increase in muscle mass can be determined by weighing the total muscle tissue of a bird which hatches from an egg treated as described herein when compared to a bird from the same species of avian, more preferably strain or breed of avian, and even more preferably the same bird, that has not been administered with a nucleic acid as defined herein. Alternatively, specific muscles such as breast and/or leg muscles can be used to identify an increase in muscle mass. Genes that can be targeted for the modulation of muscle mass include, for example, the myostatin gene.

RNA Interference

In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention utilise nucleic acid molecules encoding double-stranded regions for RNA interference in order to modulate trails in an avian. The terms “RNA interference”, “RNAi” or “gene silencing” refer generally to a process in which a double-stranded RNA molecule reduces the expression of a nucleic acid sequence with which the double-stranded RNA molecule shares substantial or total homology. However, it has been shown that RNA interference can be achieved using non-RNA double stranded molecules (see, for example, US 20070004667).

The double-stranded regions should be at least 19 contiguous nucleotides, for example about 19 to 23 nucleotides, or may be longer, for example 30 or 50 nucleotides, or 100 nucleotides or more. The full-length sequence corresponding to the entire gene transcript may be used. Preferably, they are about 19 to about 23 nucleotides in length.

The degree of identity of a double-stranded region of a nucleic acid molecule to the targeted transcript should be at least 90% and more preferably 95-100%. The nucleic acid molecule may of course comprise unrelated sequences which may function to stabilize the molecule.

The term “short interfering RNA” or “siRNA” as used herein refers to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises ribonucleotides capable of inhibiting or down regulating gene expression, for example by mediating RNAi in a sequence-specific manner, wherein the double stranded portion is less than 50 nucleotides in length, preferably about 19 to about 23 nucleotides in length. For example the siRNA can be a nucleic acid molecule comprising self-complementary sense and antisense regions, wherein the antisense region comprises nucleotide sequence that is complementary to nucleotide sequence in a target nucleic acid molecule or a portion thereof and the sense region having nucleotide sequence corresponding to the target nucleic acid sequence or a portion thereof. The siRNA can be assembled from two separate oligonucleotides, where one strand is the sense strand and the other is the antisense strand, wherein the antisense and sense strands are self-complementary.

As used herein, the term siRNA is n cant to be equivalent to other terms used to describe nucleic acid molecules that are capable of mediating sequence specific RNAi, for example micro-RNA (miRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), short interfering oligonucleotide, short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering modified oligonucleotide, chemically-modified siRNA, post-transcriptional gene silencing RNA (ptgsRNA), and others. In addition, as used herein, the term RNAi is meant to be equivalent to oilier terms used to describe sequence specific RNA interference, such as post transcriptional gene silencing, translational inhibition, or epigenetics. For example, siRNA molecules as described herein can be used to epigenetically silence genes at both the post-transcriptional level or the pre-transcriptional level. In a non-limiting example, epigenetic regulation of gene expression by siRNA molecules as described herein can result from siRNA mediated modification of chromatin structure to alter gene expression.

By “shRNA” or “short-hairpin RNA” is meant an RNA molecule where less than about 50 nucleotides, preferably about 19 to about 23 nucleotides, is base paired with a complementary sequence located on the same RNA molecule, and where said sequence and complementary sequence are separated by an unpaired region of at least about 4 to about 15 nucleotides which forms a single-stranded loop above the stem structure created by the two regions of base complementarity.

Included shRNAs are dual or bi-finger and multi-finger hairpin dsRNAs, in which the RNA molecule comprises two or more of such stem-loop structures separated by single-stranded spacer regions.

MicroRNA regulation is a specialized branch of the RNA silencing pathway that evolved towards gene regulation, diverging from conventional RNAi/PTGS. MicroRNAs are a specific class of small RNAs that are encoded in gene-like elements organized in a characteristic inverted repeat. When transcribed, microRNA genes give rise to stem-looped precursor RNAs from which the microRNAs are subsequently processed. MicroRNAs are typically about 21 nucleotides in length. The released miRNAs are incorporated into RISC-like complexes containing a particular subset of Argonaute proteins that exert sequence-specific gene repression.

Disease Resistance

The methods of the present invention may be used to integrate a polynucleotide that confers disease resistance upon a cell into the genome of primordial germ cells in an avian embryo. For example, the polynucleotide may encode a nucleic acid molecule such as an siRNA, shRNA or miRNA that reduces the expression of a host or pathogen gene resulting in a decrease in viral replication in cells in which the polynucleotide is present. “Virus replication” as used herein refers to the amplification of the viral genome in a host cell, the packaging of the viral genome in a cell and/or the release of infectious viral particles from a cell.

Alternatively, the polynucleotide may encode an RNA decoy. RNA decoys are known in the art and contain particular nucleotide base sequences which hind virus proteins which are essential for the replication of a pathogenic virus. RNA decoys targeting HIV proteins were first described by Sullenger et al. (1990). The skilled person will appreciate, however, that RNA decoys may be designed to target proteins that play a role in the replication of avian viral pathogens, such as RNA decoys targeting the polymerase complex proteins of the influenza virus.

Preferably, by reducing virus replication in avian cells, the genetically modified avian comprising the polynucleotide will have an increased resistance to a viral pathogen. As used herein, an avian that is “resistant” or has “increased resistance” to a pathogen or viral pathogen exhibits reduced or no symptoms of disease compared to a susceptible avian when exposed to the pathogen. Using the methods of the invention, avians can be made resistant to pathogens such as, but not limited to, influenza virus, Marek's disease virus, Newcastle Disease virus and Infectious Bursal Disease Virus.

In Ovo Production of Recombinant Proteins

Petitte and Modziak (2007) describe the domestic hen as a “very efficient protein bioreactor”. Recognizing that the avian egg contains large amounts of protein, and over half of the protein in egg white or albumin is composed of a single species, there is great potential in producing recombinant or heterologous proteins in eggs. Difficulties encountered in prior art methods of producing transgenic poultry for the production of therapeutic proteins in eggs are well described in the art. Although achieved using an undesirable lentivirus system, the production of transgenic birds that deposit high levels of commercially relevant proteins in an egg has been achieved. Accordingly, the methods of the present invention may be used to produce genetically modified avians that express a heterologous or recombinant polypeptide in eggs. Proteins of commercial importance that could be produced in eggs include therapeutic proteins such as antibodies and vaccine antigens.

Production and Breeding of Genetically Modified Avians

The methods of the present invention include methods of breeding genetically modified avians and methods of producing food from genetically modified avians. The skilled person will appreciate that an avian of the invention comprising genetically modified germ cells may be germline chimeric, in that only some of the germ cells that have migrated into the gonads are genetically modified. Thus, the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells can be bred to produce progeny in which all cells are genetically modified. Thus in one embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing a genetically modified avian, the method comprising: (i) obtaining the avian comprising germ cells genetically modified according to the invention (ii) breeding from the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells to produce progeny, and (iii) selecting progeny comprising the polynucleotide inserted into the genome.

The avian comprising genetically modified germ cells of the invention, and the genetically modified avian according to the invention, may be used in the production of food. Thus, the methods of the invention are applicable to the production of poultry products for human and animal consumption. Methods of producing food from poultry are well known in the art and may comprise the harvesting of meat and/or eggs from poultry such as, but not limited to, a chicken. In certain embodiments, the avian has been genetically modified to include a polynucleotide that modulates a production trait.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Direct Injection of EGFP Expression Construct into Embryos

5.1 gg of a nucleic acid construct encoding enhanced GFP (EGFP) flanked by Tol2 sequences and 1.0 μg of a plasmid encoding the Tol2 transposase were completed with 3 μl Lipofectamine 2000. The complexing of the nucleic acids and transfection reagent were carried out in a total volume of 90 μl of OptiMEM or OptiPRO media using the incubation times recommended by the manufacturer (Life Technologies).

Following the final 20 minute incubation, 1-3 μl of the complex was injected into a blood vessel of Day 2.5 chicken embryos (Stages 13-17; Hamburger and Hamilton, 1951). No removal of blood was required. Access to the embryo was achieved by the removal of a small (10 mm) section of shell. After injection the hole was sealed with a 20 mm square of parafilm.

EGFP expression was observed at Day 7 and Day 14 in most gonads at varying levels. Cells dissociated from gonads and green cells also shown to be PGCs (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3).

Example 2 In Vitro Optimisation of DNA to Transfection Reagent Ratios

Experiments were undertaken to test the optimal ratio of DNA:Lipofectamine 2000 and the volume of the media to make up the transfection complex. A DNA construct encoding EGFP and a single hairpin (shRNA) with flanking Tol2 sequences was complexed with Lipafectamine 2000 in OptiMEM volumes of 50, 40, 30 or 20 μl. The ratios of DNA (μg) to Lipofectamine 2000 (μl) used were as follows: 1:2, 2:4 and 4:8.

The complexes were transfected into chicken fibroblast (DF-1) cells and analysed fro the expression of EGFP. Results indicated (not shown) that a ratio of DNA (μg): Lipofectamine 2000 of 1:2 in 30 μl medium worked slightly better than a ratio of 2:4 in 50 μl.

The in vitro data was subsequently confirmed in embryos. 0.33 μg of DNA construct comprising the Tol2 transposon, 0.66 μg transposase plasmid, and 2 μl Lipofectamine 2000 were complexed in OptiMEM and injected directly into chicken embryos. All living embryos had good levels of EGFP expression at Day 14 (FIG. 4).

Example 3 Testing FuGene Transfection Reagent

FuGene (Promega) was tested as a transfection reagent using a DNA:Fugene ratio similar to that recommended by the manufacturer for cell culture transfection. The DNA construct complexed with FuGene comprised an EGFP expression cassette with flanking Tol2 sequences. The complex (0.66 μg of the EGFP Tol2 construct, 1.33 μg transposase plasmid, 6 μl FuGene) was injected directly into 15 embryos. One of the embryos showed very small amounts of EGFP expression in the gonads at Day 14. This experiment was repeated, and at Day 12 all 10 embryos that were injected were still alive. Two of the embryos had a couple of green cells in the gonads.

Example 4 Direct Injection Transformation of Broiler Lines

As the previous direct injection experiments had been performed on chicken egg layer lines, the purpose of this experiment was to test whether the direct injection method could be used to successfully transform chicken broiler lines. An EGFP expression construct comprising a single hairpin and flanking Tol2 sequences was complexed with Lipofectamine 2000 (0.33 μg transposon construct, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 μl Lipofectamine 2000) and injected directly into the dorsal aorta of chicken embryos. Twelve out of 13 embryos injected were alive at Day 10 and good amounts of EGFP expression were detected in most gonads.

This experiment was repealed with an EGFP expression construct comprising multiple hairpins (shRNAs) (0.33 μg of transposon, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 μl Lipofectamine 2000). Good amounts of EGFP expression were found in Day 12 embryos (FIG. 5).

Example 5 Comparison of OptiMEM with OptiPRO as Transfection Reagent Media

A comparison was made between OptiMEM (containing animal products). OptiPRO (contains no animal products), and PBSA as the transfection reagent media. An EGFP expression construct comprising flanking Tol2 sequences was complexed with transfection reagent (0.33 μg of transposon, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 μl Lipofectamine 2000) and injected directly into chicken embryos. All of the embryos showed some green in the gonads at Day 12 and the media used did not affect mortality. OptiMEM and OptiPRO gave equivalent results, whereas PBSA resulted in a significantly reduced expression of EGFP in gonads.

Example 6 Chicken Layer Lines Injected with Multi-Warhead Construct

Two DNA constructs were complexed with transfection reagent and injected directly into chicken embryos. The first DNA construct comprised an EGFP expression cassette and multiple shRNA hairpins flanked by Tol2 sequences, and the second construct comprised an EGFP expression construct and a single extended hairpin cassette encoding three double-stranded regions. The constructs were complexed with transfection reagent in the following amounts: 0.33 μg of transposon, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 μl, Lipofectamine 2000. At Day 14, EGFP expression was found in the gonads of most embryos for both constructs.

Example 7 Testing for Persistence of Tol2-EGFP

A DNA construct comprising an EGFP expression cassette, multiple hairpins and flanked by Tol2 were complexed with transfection reagent. (0.33 μg of transposon, 2 μL Lipofectamine 2000). The transfection complex without transposase was injected directly into chicken embryos.

Embryos where transposase was omitted still showed green cells in some embryos, but in fewer cells than seen when transposase is included. This suggests that plasmid can remain in gonadal cells for at least 2 weeks after direct injection and that not all green observed is due to Tol2 integration into the genome.

Example 8 Animal-Free Lipofectamine

An EGFP expression cassette with Tol2 and multiple shRNA expression cassettes was complexed with animal-product free transfection reagent (Lipofectamine 2000CD) (0.33 μg of transposon, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 μl Lipofectamine 2000CD). At Day 14 all 10 embryos examined had good amounts of EGFP expression in the gonads (FIG. 7).

Example 9 Direct Injection at Day 3.5

In all previous experiments, injections of transfection complexes were performed at Day 2.5. The purpose of this experiment was to test an alternative time (Day 3.5) for direct injection of embryos. A DNA construct comprising an EGFP expression construct and Tol2 was complexed with lipofectamine 2000CD (0.33 μg of transposon, 0.66 μg transposase, 2 682 l Lipofectamine 2000 CD).

At Day 14, 8 of 21 embryos had small amounts of EGFP expression in the gonads. Thus, the timing of the direct injection at Day 2.5 is important, and by Day 3.5 efficient transfection of the PGCs is not observed.

Example 10 Altering the Proportions of Transposon to Transposase

While maintaining the DNA:Lipofectamine2000 CD:media ratios, we increased the proportion of transposon in the DNA mix while slightly decreasing the transposase plasmid proportion. Slightly different volumes were used due to the need to inject more eggs in future experiments. The inventors also tested removing blood from the embryo before injection of the transfection mixture to determine if this allowed an increased volume of the mixture to be injected.

A DNA construct comprising an EGFP expression cassette and Tol2 was complexed with transfection reagent. (0.66 μg of transposon, 1.0 μg transposase, 3 μl Lipofectamine2000CD). At Day 14 the pre-bleeding embryos had similar levels of EGFP expression in the gonads compared with the non pre-bleed embryos. The new DNA ratios worked well with good levels of EGFP expression being observed.

Example 11 JetPEI Transfection Reagent

For JetPEI, the DNA construct comprising an EGFP expression cassette and Tol2 was complexed with transfection reagent (4 μg of transposon, 6 μg transposase, 1.6 μl JetPEI (Polyplus transfection) in 50 μl OptiPRO (with 5% glucose). JetPEI caused the blood to clot upon injection, but this did not affect embryo survivability. Green cells were found in these embryos and in the gonads but the majority were morphologically different to the transformed PGCs seen when Lipofectamine2000 was used.

A second experiment was performed to test the JetPEI transfection reagent. Two reaction mixes were used: i) 0.66 μg of transposon, 1.0 μg transposase, 0.5 μl JetPEI in 100 μl OptiPRO (with 5% glucose); and ii) 1.32 μg of transposon, 2.0 μg transposase, 0.5 μl JetPEI in 100 μl OptiPRO (with glucose).

JetPEI caused the blood to clot upon injection and reaction mix (ii) resulted in improved embryo survivability. Again, some EGFP expression was found in the gonads but again the cell type did not appear to be PGC-like. Gonads were taken and cells dissociated and stained for PGC markers. No green cells showed staining for the PGC markers confirming that PGCs were not being transfected by the JetPEI complex.

Example 12 Zinc Finger Nuclease

The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether Zinc-finger nuclease plasmids can be used to transform PGCs by the direct injection technique. The DNA used in the experiment comprised two zinc-finger nuclease plasmids and the overlapping fragment, which was complexed with transfection reagent 0.5 μg of each plasmid, 3 μl Lipofectamine2000 CD, in 90 μOptiPRO.

As there was no EGFP present on the plasmids, the inventors relied on a PCR test that would amplify a fragment only if the overlapping fragment has been incorporated into the chicken genome. Alter 14 days of incubation, gonads were removed. PGCs enriched using an antibody sorting method, and genomic DNA prepared. PCR revealed that the overlapping fragment had been incorporated into the chicken genome. These results demonstrate that Zinc-finger nucleases are suitable for integrating DNA into the genome of avian PGCs using the direct injection method of the present invention.

Example 13 Results

Following the protocols outlined above, the inventors saw significant transformation of PGCs in the gonads of recipient embryos, and to a much higher degree than described in prior an methods of transfecting PGCs. Through staining of cells with PGC-specific markers the inventors showed that the majority of cells transformed in the gonad were PGCs. The inventors have raised recipient embryos to sexual maturity and have been able to detect Tol2 transposon sequences in the semen of >90% of the adult males.

Other transfection reagents were used, however the lipid-based reagents gave superior transfection of PGCs. JetPEI did transfect cells by this method but it could not be shown that any of the transfected cells were PGCs. FuGene transfected cells at a very low rate.

Example 14 Direct Injection Modification of the Genome Using Zinc Finger Nucleases

A zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) which targets a region of intron 5 of the PANK1 gene was injected along with a plasmid containing the anti-influenza shRNA PB1-2257 and the regions required for homologous repair into embryos which were subsequently analysed for integration of the shRNA.

A total of 1.5 μg of DNA (500 μg of each ZFN plasmid and 500 μg of the repair plasmid) was added to 45 μl of OptiPRO and then complexed with 3 μl of Lipofectamine2000 CD in 45 μl of OptiPRO prior to being injected into 30 day 2.5 eggs. The eggs where incubated until day 7 when the gonads were removed, disassociated and PGC's enriched for using a MACS sort with a SSEA-1 Antibody (Santa Cruz Biotech). DNA was extracted from the PGC enriched sample from the ZFN treated embryos and control embryos using a Qiagen DNAeasy kit.

A PCR to screen for successful integration of the shRNA was carried out using a primer which binds to the genome outside the region used for homologous repair (Screen 7 5′ GTGACTCAGACTCCTGTTAG (SEQ ID NO:3)) and one which binds to the shRNA (Screen 6 5′ TCTGCTGCTTCACAGTCTTC (SEQ ID NO:4)). PCR was performed using green master mix (Promega) following the manufactures instructions using cycling conditions of 94° C. for 2 min followed by 36 cycles of 94° C. for 45 secs, 55° C. for 45 secs and 72° C. for 1 min 10 sec. This was followed by a final extension at 72° C. for 10 min.

PCR was carried out on the DNA PGC enriched sample from the ZFN treated embryos as well as from control embryos. DNA from positive control cells, which have been previously shown to have the shRNA integrated into them and a water control. FIG. 8 shows the gel electrophoresis of these PCR reactions. The first lane, which contains the PCR from the ZFN direct injected embryos, clearly shows a band indicating genomic integration in the embryos that were injected.

Example 15 Results of Direct Injection Genome Modification of Chickens

After a number of rounds of direct injections, a total of 277 roosters where raised to sexual maturity and their semen tested for presence of the Tol2 transgene. Of the 277 samples tested 98 were found to contain the Tol2 transgene with varying levels of percentage positive semen. A number of these positive G(0) roosters were put into matings and a total of 7393 G(1) chicks were screened. Sixty-five of the chicks were found to be transgenic. Subsequent matings using these G(1) chicks haw shown Mendelian inheritance of the transgenes to the G(2) generation.

Hatched chicks were grown to sexual maturity and quantitative real lime PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the presence of miniTol-EGFP in the semen. Semen samples were collected and DNA was extracted from 20 μl of semen diluted in 180 μl of PBS using the Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit following the manufactures instructions. The semen genomic DNA was then diluted 1/100 in ddH₂O for use in the PCR reaction. qPCR was carried out on a Mastercycler® ep realplex (Eppendorf Hamburg, Germany) following the manufactures instructions. In short, 20 μl reactions were set up containing 10 μl of Taqman 2× Universal master mix (Applied Biosystems), 1 μl 20× FAM labeled Assay Mix (Applied Biosystems) and 9 μl of diluted DNA. Each sample was set up in duplicate with specific primers and probe for minTol2:

Fwd primer (SEQ ID NO: 5) 5′ CAGTCAAAAAGTACTTATTTTTTGGAGATCACT 3′ Reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 6) 5′ GGGCATCAGCGCAATTCAATT 3′; Detection probe (SEQ ID NO: 7) 5′ ATAGCAAGGGAAAATAG 3′; and specific primers and probe for a genomic control region from the chicken genome which acts as a template control:

Forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 8) 5′ GATGGGAAAACCCTGAACCTC 3′; Reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 9) 5′ CAACCTGCTAGAGAAGATGAGAAGAG 3′; Detection probe (SEQ ID NO: 10) 5′ CTGCACTGAATGGAC 3′.

The PCR cycle parameters were an Initial denaturing step at 95° C. for 10 minutes followed by 45 cycles of 95° C. for 15 seconds and 60° C. for 1 minute. Each rooster was tested at least twice and was classified positive if a C_(T) value of less than 36 was obtained for minTol2. A C_(T) of less than 32 for the control genomic region was used to indicate there was sufficient DNA in the sample tested.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

All publications discussed and/or referenced herein are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The present application claims priority from U.S. 61/636,331 filed 20 Apr. 2012, U.S. 61/783,823 filed 14 Mar. 2013 and AU 2013204327 filed 12 Apr. 2013, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

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1. A method for producing an avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, the method comprising: (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an avian embryo, whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the genome of one or more germ cells in the avian.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient for the embryo to develop into a chick.
 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transfection mixture is injected into the avian embryo at Stages 13-14.
 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transfection reagent comprises a cationic lipid.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the transfection reagent comprises a monovalent cationic lipid selected from one or more of DOTMA (N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)-propyl]-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium chloride), DOTAP(1,2-bis(oleoyloxy)-3-3-(trimethylammonium)propane), DMRIE (1,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxy ethyl ammonium bromide) and DDAB (dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide).
 6. The method of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the transfection reagent comprises a polyvalent cationic lipid selected from one or more of DOSPA (2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanuminium trifluoroacetate) and DOSPER (1,3-dioIeoyloxy-2-(6carboxyspermyl)-propyl-amid, TMTPS (tetramethyltetrapalmitoyl spermine), TMTOS (tetramethyltetraolcyl spermine), TMTLS (tetramethlytetralauryl spermine), TMTMS (tetramethyltetramyristyl spermine) and TMDOS (tetramethydioleyl spermine).
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the transfection reagent comprises DOSPA (2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(sperminecarboxamido)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminium trifluoro acetate).
 8. The method of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the transfection reagent further comprises a neutral lipid.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the neutral lipid comprises (DOPE) dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine, DPhPE (diphytanoylphosphatidylethanolamine) or cholesterol.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transfection reagent comprises a 3:1 (w/w) mixture of DOSPA and DOPE prior to mixture of the transfection reagent with the polynucleotide.
 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the polynucleotide further comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a transposon or zinc finger nuclease.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the transfection mixture comprises a polynucleotide encoding a transposase.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the polynucleotide encoding the transposase is RNA.
 14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the transposon is selected from Tol2, mini-Tol2, Sleeping Beauty and PiggyBac.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence encoding a zinc finger nuclease.
 16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the germ cells are primordial germ cells.
 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the injection mixture is injected into the embryo in the eggshell in which the embryo developed.
 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the polynucleotide encodes an RNA molecule comprising a double-stranded region.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the RNA molecule is an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy.
 20. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide.
 21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the RNA molecule or polypeptide reduces replication of a virus in a cell compared to a cell lacking the RNA molecule or polypeptide.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the virus is influenza virus.
 23. An avian comprising genetically modified germ cells, wherein the avian is produced by the method of any one of claims 1 to
 23. 24. A genetically modified germ cell of the avian of claim 23, wherein the germ cell comprises the polynucleotide inserted into the genome.
 25. Sperm produced by the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells of claim
 23. 26. An egg produced by the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells of claim
 23. 27. A method for genetically modifying germ cells in an avian, the method comprising (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an avian embryo contained in an egg, and (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient to permit the embryo to develop into a chick, wherein the polynucleotide is inserted into the genome of one or more genu cells in the avian.
 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising one or more of the features of any one of claims 2 to
 22. 29. A method for producing a genetically modified avian, the method comprising: (i) obtaining the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells of claim 23, (ii) breeding from the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells to produce progeny, and (iii) selecting progeny comprising the polynucleotide inserted into the genome.
 30. A genetically modified avian produced by the method of claim
 29. 31. A method of producing food, the method comprising: (i) obtaining the avian comprising genetically modified germ cells of claim 23 or the genetically modified avian of claim 30, and (ii) producing food from the avian.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the method comprises harvesting meat and/or eggs from the avian.
 33. A method of breeding a genetically modified avian, the method comprising: (i) performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 22 or 27 to 29 to produce a chick or progeny, (ii) allowing the chick or progeny to develop into a sexually mature avian, and (iii) breeding from the sexually mature avian to produce a genetically modified avian.
 34. A genetically modified avian produced according to the method of claim
 33. 35. A method of modulating a trait in an avian, the method comprising (i) injecting a transfection mixture comprising a polynucleotide mixed with a transfection reagent into a blood vessel of an avian embryo, whereby the polynucleotide is inserted into the genome of one or more germ cells in the avian and (ii) incubating the embryo at a temperature sufficient to permit the embryo to develop into a chick, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide or RNA molecule comprising a double-stranded region which modulates a trait in the avian.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the RNA molecule comprises an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy.
 37. The method of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the trait is selected from muscle mass, sex, nutritional content and/or disease resistance.
 38. A method of increasing the resistance of an avian to a virus, the method comprising performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 22, 27 to 29, 31 to 33, 35 to 37, wherein the polynucleotide is an siRNA, shRNA or RNA decoy that reduces replication of the virus in a cell, or the polynucleotide encodes an antiviral peptide that reduces replication of the virus in a cell.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the virus is influenza virus.
 40. An avian produced according to the method of claim 38 or claim
 39. 41. The method of any one of claims 1 to 22, 27 to 29, 31 to 33, 35 to 39, the avian of claim 23 or claim 40, or the genetically modified avian of claim 30 or claim 34, wherein the avian is selected from a chicken, duck, turkey, goose, bantam or quail. 